The Rolex Explorer II 16570 is the 40 mm Explorer II made from 1989 to 2011: the reference that introduced crown guards and a fixed 24-hour bezel to the model's second generation, offered with a black or white "Polar" dial and, across its run, tritium, Luminova and Super-LumiNova lume. It is the smallest-cased Explorer II Rolex has made and, since the line moved to 42 mm in 2011, the one collectors reach for when they want the model's original proportions. This guide covers the 16570's specifications, dial and lume generations, how it compares with the 42 mm 216570 and current 226570, dated 2026 prices and what to check before buying a watch that is now between 15 and 37 years old. Bizak & Co. sources the 16570 to order; the Explorer II collection lists the configurations we can seek.
Last reviewed on September 26, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Prices are dated observations, not quotes.
What is the Rolex Explorer II 16570?
Rolex introduced the 16570 in 1989 to replace the 16550, keeping the Explorer II's core idea from 1971: a fixed 24-hour bezel and an orange hand so the wearer can tell day from night without natural light, aimed originally at cave explorers and polar scientists. The 16570 brought crown guards to the case for the first time on this model and ran for 22 years with two movement generations and three lume types, making it the longest-serving Explorer II reference and the one with the most dial and case variation for a collector to sort through.
Rolex Explorer II 16570 specifications
| Attribute | 16570 |
|---|---|
| Case | 40 mm Oystersteel, about 47 mm lug to lug, 20 mm lug width; screw-down Twinlock crown with crown guards |
| Bezel | Fixed, engraved 24-hour graduation in Oystersteel |
| Movement | Calibre 3185 (1989 to about 2007), then calibre 3186 with a blue Parachrom hairspring (about 2007 to 2011); independently adjustable 12-hour hand |
| Dial | Black or white "Polar"; tritium lume to about 1998, Luminova to about 2000, Super-LumiNova after; orange 24-hour hand; date at 3 with Cyclops |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops |
| Bracelet | Oyster three-piece links, folded or solid depending on year |
| Water resistance | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Years made | 1989 to 2011, succeeded by the 42 mm 216570 |
Source: the Rolex Explorer collection page, which lists the current Explorer II alongside the Explorer 36 and 40, and Rolex watch care and service for the service and parts policy that applies to discontinued references.
Which 16570 lume and dial generation?
| Early (1989 to about 1998) | Transitional (about 1998 to 2000) | Late (2000 to 2011) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lume | Tritium, ages to a warm cream colour | Luminova, whiter and shorter-lived glow | Super-LumiNova, brighter and more durable |
| Movement | Calibre 3185 | Calibre 3185 | Calibre 3185 then 3186 from about 2007 |
| Dial text | No Superlative Chronometer wording change across the run; "SWISS - T < 25" on tritium dials | "SWISS" only, no tritium marking | "SWISS MADE" |
| Collector interest | Highest on Polar examples with even cream patina | Lower; seen as a short transitional window | Most common on the used market |
A tritium-dial Polar 16570 with even, matching patina on the hands and markers is the version most sought after; later Super-LumiNova examples are the easiest to find and the most straightforward to service, since tritium parts are scarcer.
Polar white or black dial?
The white "Polar" dial is the one most people picture when they think of an Explorer II, and on tritium and Luminova 16570s it often aged to a cream or khaki tone that is prized rather than seen as a flaw. The black dial is quieter and, on this reference, was generally the easier of the two to find new at the time, which keeps it a little more affordable today. Both use the same case, bezel and movement, so the choice is purely about the dial.
16570 vs 216570 vs 226570: which Explorer II?
| 16570 | 216570 | 226570 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case | 40 mm | 42 mm, wide "maxi" case | 42 mm, slimmer lugs and crown guards |
| Movement | 3185 then 3186, 48 h | 3187, 48 h, Paraflex | 3285, 70 h, Chronergy |
| Years | 1989 to 2011 | 2011 to 2021 | 2021 to date |
| Lume | Tritium then Luminova, then Super-LumiNova, green | Chromalight, blue | Chromalight, blue |
| Bizak catalogue, 26 Sep 2026 | From US$7,906 pre-owned | From US$12,464 new | Ask for a quote |
The 16570 is the choice for smaller wrists and for anyone who wants the model's original 40 mm proportions and a vintage lume glow; the 216570 is the value route to a 42 mm Polar; the 226570 is the one to buy new, with the longest power reserve. Our Explorer II 226570 guide covers the current model in detail.
How does the Explorer II 16570 wear?
At 40 mm with a lug-to-lug of about 47 mm, the 16570 wears close to a Submariner and noticeably smaller than the 42 mm generations that followed it, which is why it remains the pick for wrists under about 17 cm (6.7 inches). The fixed steel bezel and orange hand still read clearly at this size, and the case is slim enough that it sits under a cuff without difficulty. There is no Jubilee option and no gold version on this reference; like every Explorer II, it has only ever been offered in steel.
How much is a Rolex Explorer II 16570? Prices in 2026
- Retail. The 16570 is long out of production, so there is no current Rolex list price; buyers should expect to shop the pre-owned and vintage market rather than an authorised dealer.
- Secondary market. Tritium-dial Polar examples with clean, even patina and a full set have generally commanded a premium over Luminova and Super-LumiNova examples in 2025 and 2026; black-dial examples in any lume generation tend to sit a little below the Polar.
- Bizak catalogue asks. On 26 September 2026 our sourced catalogue listed pre-owned 16570 examples from US$7,906 in black dial, US$8,046 to US$8,608 in white Polar dial, alongside the newer 216570 from US$12,464, all sourced to order.
Those figures describe what we saw and will move. Ask for a dated quote for the exact dial, lume generation and set; our Rolex price guide explains how to compare quotes.
Buying a used 16570: what to check
- Lume and dial text. Confirm the dial text and lume type match the claimed production year; a tritium dial should show even ageing across the hands and markers, not one relumed part against original patina.
- Warranty card. Original cards are rare on watches this old; a full set adds meaningfully to the price but its absence is not unusual and should not be treated as a red flag by itself.
- Bezel. The fixed steel bezel should show crisp, unpainted engraved numerals; heavy polishing softens them permanently.
- 24-hour function. With the crown in the first position the 12-hour hand should jump in one-hour steps while the orange 24-hour hand stays put, confirming the independent-hour function works.
- Case and lugs. Sharp lug chamfers and even brushing; rounded edges indicate repeated polishing over the watch's life.
- Bracelet stretch. Hold the watch by the clasp; a bracelet that sags into a visible curve has stretched and may need new links.
- Movement service. Ask for the last service date, particularly on a tritium-dial example, since servicing risks disturbing an aged dial if not handled carefully.
- Price against the band. A full-set tritium Polar offered well under the market is the single most reliable warning sign.
Our authentication process describes what we inspect before dispatch.
Quick answers
How much is a Rolex Explorer II 16570?
Bizak's sourced catalogue listed pre-owned examples from US$7,906 in black dial and US$8,046 to US$8,608 in white Polar dial on 26 September 2026, sourced to order and subject to lume generation and set.
What is the difference between the 16570 and the 216570?
The 16570 is 40 mm with the calibre 3185 or 3186 and a 48-hour reserve; the 216570 moved to a 42 mm "maxi" case with the calibre 3187 and Chromalight lume. Both share the fixed 24-hour bezel and orange hand.
Does the 16570 have tritium lume?
Early examples made to about 1998 use tritium, which ages to a cream colour; later ones used Luminova to about 2000 and Super-LumiNova after.
Why is the Polar dial called Polar?
It is a nickname for the white-dial Explorer II, evoking the model's polar and cave-exploration origins; the black dial is the same watch in the other colour.
Is the 16570 a good size for a small wrist?
Yes. At 40 mm it is the smallest Explorer II Rolex has made, noticeably more compact than the 42 mm 216570 and 226570 that followed it.
Request an Explorer II 16570 sourcing quote
Tell us the dial colour, lume generation, condition and whether the warranty card is required, plus your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs, papers and final price before you commit. Catalogue entries: 16570-W1 Polar, 16570BLKO1 black, 216570 Polar; browse the Explorer II collection, the Explorer collection, or sell or trade your Explorer II.
Related reading: Explorer II 226570 guide · Explorer 224270 guide · Watch nicknames explained · Rolex price guide.
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